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Mary Ikoku is a media and strategic communications professional, entrepreneur, development practitioner and women’s leadership advocate. She has spent nearly two decades working at the intersection of governance, public policy, media and social impact.
She spoke with Sunday Sun recently about her passion for lifting women, her lifestyle and lots more.
You wear many hats as a woman, could you tell us about of your life’s journey professionally?
My professional journey has taken me across the public, private, and development sectors, where I have had the privilege of supporting governments, institutions, businesses, and leaders in communicating more effectively, engaging citizens, and driving meaningful change. Over the years, I have served in advisory and leadership roles within key public institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Information, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Bureau of Public Service Reforms. I also served as Special Adviser to two Federal Ministers and later headed Communications for the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), one of Nigeria’s most ambitious social intervention programmes at the time.
Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of governance, policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and the challenges of national development. They also reinforced my belief that effective communication is one of the most powerful tools for driving progress and strengthening trust between leaders and citizens.
I am privileged to be recognised as a Fellow of my professional body, (fnipr) a milestone that reflects years of dedication to the Public Relations and communications profession.
I am also the Lead Consultant of The Access Media Limited, a strategic communications and public affairs consultancy that helps organisations shape narratives, build trust, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. Building The Access Media from the ground up remains one of the accomplishments I am most proud of because it reflects the values of excellence, resilience, innovation, and perseverance that have defined my journey.
Beyond my professional work, I am deeply committed to empowering people, especially women and young people. I am the Founding Director of Emerge Women Development Initiative, a non-partisan platform dedicated to increasing women’s participation in leadership, governance, and public life. Through leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, and capacity-building programmes, we are helping build a pipeline of competent female leaders across Nigeria.
I am also the Founder and Chairman of Working Moms Africa, and Publisher of Working Moms Africa Magazine, platforms focused on supporting working women, strengthening families, promoting entrepreneurship, and advancing conversations around work-life integration and economic inclusion across Africa.
Through the Mary Ikoku Foundation, Emerge Women, and Working Moms Africa, we have impacted thousands of women, young people, entrepreneurs, farmers, and families through leadership development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support, food security interventions, and community empowerment programmes.
Most recently, I sought elective office because I believe meaningful change requires not only advocacy from outside the system but also participation within it. At my core, however, I am simply someone who believes that leadership is service and that every platform should be used to create opportunities, solve problems, and improve lives.
You are known for gender advocacy, media entrepreneurship, and being vocal on governance. Did your upbringing influence your views and way of life?
Absolutely. In many ways, everything I do today can be traced back to lessons I learned growing up.
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I was raised by parents who believed strongly in discipline, hard work, integrity, resilience, and service to others. These values were not merely preached in our home; they were lived every day.
My father constantly reminded us that success comes through diligence, determination, and personal responsibility. He taught us never to make excuses, never to allow circumstances define our future, and never to be afraid of hard work. Those lessons have shaped how I approach life, business, leadership, and public service.
My mother was equally influential. Growing up, I watched her work tirelessly while supporting other women in our community. I saw women come together to solve problems, uplift one another, and create opportunities for their families. Long before I became an advocate for women, I witnessed the power of women supporting women.
Those experiences shaped my worldview profoundly. They influenced my decision to build platforms such as Emerge Women and Working Moms Africa because I understand first-hand the importance of creating opportunities and support systems for women to thrive.
Tell us a bit about your lifestyle. What does style mean to you? Your favourite holiday destination and favourite food?
I would describe my lifestyle as purposeful, balanced, and deeply rooted in family.
My work often keeps me busy, but when I am not working, my greatest joy is spending time with my husband and our sons. They are my biggest cheerleaders, strongest critics, and greatest pillars of support.
Public life can be demanding. There have been moments when I came home exhausted from the pressures of politics, business, advocacy, and leadership. Through it all, my husband has remained a steady source of strength, wisdom, and encouragement. I often joke that he has listened to more political analysis from me than most consultants ever will. He has an incredible ability to listen, provide perspective, and remind me to stay focused on the bigger picture.
Our sons are equally invested in my journey. As young adults and university students, they belong to a generation that will inherit the consequences of the decisions we make today. They have followed my political journey closely, challenged some of my assumptions, contributed ideas, volunteered their time, and constantly reminded me of the hopes, concerns, and aspirations of young Nigerians.
Some of my most insightful conversations about leadership, governance, technology, and the future of Nigeria have been around the dining table with them. They keep me grounded, informed, and optimistic. In many ways, they remind me why the work we do today matters so much for the next generation.
As for style, I believe elegance is timeless. I love fashion that is simple, sophisticated, comfortable, and authentic. Living in Abuja has deepened my appreciation for traditional attire, and I now find myself embracing more African fabrics and head wraps while blending tradition with modernity.
I love travelling and experiencing different cultures. Geneva, Vienna, and Dubai are among my favourite destinations. Geneva inspires me because of its global outlook and the important conversations that shape international development. Vienna appeals to me for its rich history, culture, and elegance, while Dubai fascinates me for its bold vision, innovation, and transformation. Yet one of my favourite places in the world remains Arochukwu, my ancestral home. There is something special about reconnecting with one’s roots, heritage, and community.
On my bucket list are the Maldives and China. The Maldives for its beauty and serenity, and China because of its remarkable development story, innovation, and business opportunities.
When it comes to food. I am proudly Igbo. A well-prepared plate of Ofe Okazi and fufu will win me over any day. No matter where I travel in the world, the taste of home remains unmatched.
